It defies logic how there could be dissenters to the Belvedere at Thames project who would prefer to keep an open lot with a two-tier parking garage and a stockade fence, rather than support a beautifully designed building. The proposed plan would eliminate the garage and bring a building with new residents and a restaurant to add to our qualitative visitor attractions. It will contribute to our economic climate.  We need this kind of development.

The critics claim to be friends of historic Bristol, but do not acknowledge what history truly is. History does not stop, it keeps evolving.

This is 2018, and we should embrace the 21st century by celebrating the evolution of Bristol’s years of history by building to today’s designs. The Dept. of Interior Rehabilitation standards that guide decisions made by our Historical District Commission, dictates that we should not try to recreate something false architecturally, but build something new in the spirit and accuracy of the times.

Standard #9 is about working in the present and not re-creating a false sense of history. That is exactly what the Belvedere at Thames will accomplish by providing an aesthetically pleasing design that will complement its surroundings by speaking to the present.

Critics also claim we must have more commercial space in our downtown. How is this justified when we have a dozen open storefronts: 317, 339, & 423 Hope St., 17 & 39R State, 251 Thames has six vacant spaces in the complex, and what of Robin Rug, mostly a vacant shell utilizing barely 10 percent of its space?

It’s great to encourage and desire commercial space, but there is no market demand for this. The reality is commercial business is a very risky proposition in Bristol. I cannot even begin to add up all the great businesses that have come and are long gone.

I am a stakeholder in a commercial development, and I am qualified to speak to this. I had strong success at the corner of Thames and Franklin, with five businesses serving the public. I had no success in developing 30 Bradford St., unable to attract a commercial tenant to the first floor. After 10 years, I sold the building at a huge loss.

The new property owner has tried for three years to find a viable commercial tenant. He is forced to have four offices inside pay sub-market-rate rents. The reality is that commercial business in Bristol comes with high risks.

Jim Roiter, the Belvedere developer, is a stakeholder and a risk taker. He is ready to complete an overall plan that began 10 years ago on Hope Street. This last phase comes with a restaurant and 20 residential units because they are needed in Bristol, and having them downtown will enhance the struggling business climate that is here.

It is a big building because it has to be. He will succeed at Thames Street because he is deeply invested in our town. And he pays his bills!

I appeal to my neighbors to open your minds, open your hearts and see what is offered here. It is truly in the best interest of Bristol, and that is what we ALL want.

Stephan Brigidi

446 Thames St., Bristol